Solo Boardgames for Beginners

What are your favorite Solo Boardgames and have you played any of these??
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GAMES FEATURED:
Cartographers
Dorf Romantik
Turing Machine
Eila and Something Shiny
Spirit Island
Kinfire Chronicles: Nights Fall
Kinfire Delve

[@ThunderworksGames]

Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic list! We're very proud to have made the cut.

[@athenasbibliotheca8099]

Play throughs would be fun. I love the idea of solo board games, but when I have money my go to is usually a book. Maybe I'll get a solo game instead next since my TBR shelf is a little *cough* a lot *cough* full right now. 😅All of these recommendations sound like they would be fun to play.

[@Ezeekat]

If you want to get really crazy, I love playing games like Dorf Romantic or Cartographers while listening to audiobooks!

[@mygirlfriendismean]

A friend got me 20 Strong for my 40th birthday. I was enamored. I’d highly recommend trying one of the Solo recommended in this video especially if you find jigsaw puzzles, single player turn-based RPGs, or puzzle video games like The Witness relaxing.

[@Ezeekat]

@@mygirlfriendismean I LOVE 20 Strong!!!

[@gamewrit0058]

Some libraries also let you check out board games, just like books, if you want to try something before you buy.

[@tracieperez2629]

lol, you're fun! Love your solo picks! "Eila and Something Shiny" sounds really cool-it speaks to all of my introverted needs. I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before! Thanks for your rec's!

[@Ezeekat]

You're welcome!

[@Bsirbin]

I am an only child I would’ve loved this and I’m so happy to have found this as an adult! Thank you please do more videos/play through like this!!!

[@Ezeekat]

Awww! Will do!!

[@Rosemont1021]

Love board games and also require solo mode to buy a game. That is why your video popped up in my feed. I subscribed halfway through the video. You are so charming and funny. Now I’ve watched many of you book vids and have found out you are a perfect match for my book tastes as well. So glad I found you!

[@ericapedico4039]

I love how you explain board games!!! I hope for more game advice and more solo games/story games videos. I had bought so many games in the past two years and I rarely play them, it's not easy to find solo games...

[@Ezeekat]

Luckily I think it's slowly becoming easier to find solo games as more and more games include solo modes in the box.

[@samirjafri191]

@ericapedico4039 If you haven't already, check out the Board Game Geek websites for fan-made solo modes for many games. Some are for games that didn't come with them (e.g., Ticket to Ride, Splendor Duel, etc.). Others are better than the one that came in the box (like for Terraforming Mars). I tend to like Automa-based solos rather than beat your own score versions (ymmv), and there is a whole list of fan-made automas that are print and play for many games.

[@Vivi-vd4ww]

I picked up Eila and something shiny on your recommendation, I and ADORED it. Loving the board game content!

[@amandacranford4208]

I didn't know solo board games are a thing. Im so excited to learn more. Thinking i'll try Eila first. Looks so fun

[@Ezeekat]

Omg I hope you love it!! Thanks for watching!!

[@brokkie28]

This video deserves more love. Thank you for all the tips and your enthusiasm! Keep it up!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Loved this! Just discovered your channel and I’m so happy I did! 😊

[@28paws70]

Thanks so much for sharing these! I'm brand new to board games and overwhelmed by all the choices!

[@joellen5984]

Super helpful! I've been solo boardgaming for years and am happy to see it surge the last few years. I would love to see more solo content, playthrough, etc. I love Eila and Dorfromantik! I am currently loving Rebuilding Seattle, Wild Tiled West, and Express Route for solo. Different games but for me fun!

[@WildestdreamsGaming]

Brilliant video! Really enjoyed watching this, therefore I hit that subscription button! there was alot there that I never heard of, so will certainly be hunting for these. ❤ I would certainly like to see more solo games suggestions as I prefer to play these myself and some walkthroughs. I'm also a bit of a book worm too so glad to see this in the channel! Really looking forward to watching other videos of yours and what you do in the future. Thank you ❤

[@Halfzipp]

Great video. Thank you for sharing this. My current favourite "solo" board game is Descent. I just love the miniatures and the terrain. It's also lots of fun. 😁

[@Ezeekat]

OMG Descent is EPIC! I love playing it solo!

[@Halfzipp]

@@Ezeekat I personally find it tough to compare other games to Descent, but I guess thats mostly just based on what it comes with, and I love the accompanying app. I play the physical copy with my wife, but If Im playing solo, I play through Table Top Simulator. Do you have the expansion? I havent gotten it yet, but its in the Amazon cart, Lol. Another game that I really enjoy playing solo is Dark Souls. Another one with great miniatures, and lots of cool expansions.

[@Sakura10_13]

Really enjoyed this video! Your videos have popped up occasionally on my Instagram feed (which I have enjoyed watching) the rare times I use it, and when I saw a teaser for this video, I thought I would check out this video even though i never play the solo mode for board games. I am so glad I did. Turing Machine sounds like a game I would really enjoy as well as my boyfriend and some of our friends (I love picross and logic puzzle games. I also love Search for Planet X). It has now been added to my wish list! Also agree with Spirit Island. Such a great game. It's amazing how well the play style for the spirits emulate what they are the spirit of. Like how "Ocean's Hungry Grasp" presence moves in and out of the ocean areas and can't move inland. We have recently ordered a custom insert to allow us to get this to the table easier and quicker. I've never played it solo but my boyfriend has played it solo on Steam multiple times. I am intrigued by Eila and Something Shiny though we have so many games to play and replay, and I could see myself never getting around to play it 😅.

[@greencommander9760]

My favorite solo game is Maquis by Side Room Games. It's about the French Resistance during World War 2, and involves worker placement and resource management. I think you'd really like its storytelling potential.

[@MrMichaelKang]

Thank you for this video! Just barely got started with my solo boardgame journey! You definitely sold me on Cartographer! I will definitely slowly buy all these games that you recommended!

[@Ezeekat]

Cartographers is excellent! Enjoy!!

[@Tessie22]

Love this new setup! And would love to watch you play the boardgames 💛

[@Ezeekat]

Thank You! I just got a new camera and I am slowly getting the hang of it!

[@Tessie22]

@@EzeekatI remember you mentioned it on insta. Saw the difference right away💛 Very nice!

[@Cassidy1027]

I would love to see play through videos! You are so wonderful to watch!

[@Ezeekat]

Aww Thank You!!

[@KitCatherine]

How have I not known about Ezeekat’s wonderful, cozy corner of the world! I’m late but super happy. Now, excuse me while I bing every video. :D

[@warrengilson1835]

Hello Jason! Finally a board game youtuber whos got both personality and knowledge. Subscribing immediately and rushing off to look at some more of your videos 😁🤩

[@Ezeekat]

Aww. Thank you and welcome!!

[@Dietah131]

Hey, I recognise you from the elder scrolls: BOTSE play through on chip game theory. Love your energy! Big fan of solo board games as well. Dorfromantik is a family favourite here!! Ps: I blamed it on you for getting a second mortgage on the all-in bundle. So when you see my wife, RUN!

[@kayhcole]

Great video, and my Anazin wishlist just got longer 😉 I love Cartographers, and I'd love to see any reviews of any solo games. Maybe some solo card games? (I ❤ ButtonShy!) More roll and writes?

[@skarz1no1more]

I think it's interesting that so may of our interests align. Of all the games you showed, Kinfire Chronicles is the only one that I don't have and that I have started to become heavily interested in. I will definitely stay tuned. Get some playthroughs going and I'll be there!

[@sierrahall8791]

This was such a great video!! I just got Dorfromantiks and have been loving it. I’ve been looking for more solo games that aren’t so Victory Point heavy. I’m curious to check out Eila and Spirit Island because I think I’m starting to be ready for something just a bit beyond the beginner level.

[@Ezeekat]

Oh both games are incredible. Eila is more story based. Spirit Island is more about playing against the game and trying to be strategic and win.

[@FostertheMeeple]

My fav are the solo games from Button Shy! I always sneak them as gifts so people can experience the magic!! ha

[@sapien01010]

Hey, I like boardgames! Hey, I like books! I LOVE all the games on this solo game list. You, sir, have gotten yourself a new subscriber.

[@Ezeekat]

Hi new friend!

[@rscott222]

Thank you I really enjoyed your video!

[@khiarastales2091]

I'm a solo boardgamer. I love your energy and I'd love to play Eila someday. Btw my favorite solo only games are mostly PnPs like : - Back of House, a dining kitchen simulator - Foothold Enterprises, a solo bidding card game against the game itself (this is so simple yet so addicting to me!) - Austerity, a game about managing a country's finance (made by the designer of Maquis, a solo game too!) - Supermarche, a supermarket management simulator - Empire, a business tycoon game with 9-cards 9-dice 9-cubes - Grove, a cute dice game about harvesting fruits

[@argyleislove]

Can’t wait to try some of these!

[@Ezeekat]

Hope you enjoy them! 😊

[@chastitysenek7499]

I just started Brambletrek which is a solo (or group) journaling RPG. I feel like this is something you might like too as you seem to have a really creative side with telling stories like you did in your Mythwind playthrough with your side stories.

[@brandoncermak1766]

An aspiration to solve string theory! Have a sub

[@esther3822]

I love solo game content! Also small games!

[@kel1477]

I LOVE the dorf romantik video game!

[@mickyroop8218]

As an only child living in a house with grandparents and my mother, I played all my games by myself. Board games, card games, anything. I just set them up for 2 or more players, card games included, and just played. In my house children were not seen or heard lol, I had to keep myself occupied. I love card and board games and don't mind just going through them myself. Also, is Link trying to harm Tennant Bear? For shame lol As to not solo games, a group of us got together and played Dungeons & Dragons. We had a campaign that lasted a year. We could only get together on the weekends. So yeah, solo play where you can play anytime you want is great.

[@blackcatseye22]

Definitely need to check out solo games.

[@Ezeekat]

Yes!!

[@Romey301]

Elia and something shiny is so underrated , absolutely can’t get enough of it . Wish is was longer 😢

[@mgrossman452]

Race to the Raft and Isle of the Cats are great! Though Race to the Raft gets difficult quick!

[@maxmaxwell343]

Liked and subscribed

[@1treb3chain]

Excellent reviews definitely interested in a few of the games, cartographer and Aila especially!! I can't stop thinking the "Turing machine" - I'm guessing is based on Alan Turing a famous gay (even though it was against the law at the time) British code breaker during ww2.

[@Ezeekat]

Yes! It is very much inspired by Alan Turing!

[@bn5055]

Spirit Island is a brave pick for a beginner's list. It should come with ear plugs to stop your brain melting out of your ears!

[@Ben-yt5dw]

Right? Great game though.

[@geneticallynerdy]

Play through would be awesome. Also maybe some solo D&D games.

[@BobbiLaMont]

DorfRomantik is one of my favorite cozy solo games. I want to get Spirit Island so bad but am so intimidated by how difficult I keep hearing it is to learn. Have you played Obsession yet? My favorite game to play solo. Also really love Sleeping Gods.

[@denycast]

Onirim is a fun short solo experience. And almost every recommendation of you I have played. Except for kinfire. But don't know if it is available in Germany. Eila was super nice... even though I hated all of the endings😅 for diffrent reasons. I will play "sleeping gods" by myself soon. So that will be interesting.

[@ThinkPurpler]

Final Girl, Hostage Negotiator. And Floor Plan are some of my favorite solo games.

[@Ezeekat]

I have all of those! I think I'll need to do a party two! Though I have not played Floor Plan yet!

[@ThinkPurpler]

@@EzeekatI enjoy it! I’ve played with others and solo, super fun both ways

[@user-og2ex1ir8f]

Spirit island is a bit expensive so i got the horizons of spirit island. Its a good second options

[@yeli14]

I love Eila! Surprised I didn’t see sleeping gods. It’s very hard for me to buy games that don’t have a solo option too.

[@thomascocks9136]

May I recommend Aerion. For people who grew up knowing yahtzee as the only solo game it will be familiar but offer new challenges, particularly with its modular expansions

[@alucard2010]

Would kinfire play like andor where it has you learn as you go?

[@richardkramer1542]

As a beginner soloplayer Kinfire is quite expensive to start with. I missed Lands of Galzyr, also a light adventure game. And a bit cheaper. 😉

[@NYsummertimeCHI]

Would Turing machine be fun for someone with a maths degree or too easy?

[@IncredibleDream]

Thank you so much for the Kinfire Delve and Kinfire Chronicles feature!

[@Ezeekat]

They’re both so so good!!

[@Ben-yt5dw]

I loved Delve so much it made me get Chronicles. Just entered the city of Din'Lux the other night. Such a good game. Really looking forward to Kinfire Delve: Scorn's Stockade coming this spring!

[@toddferrante3242]

I’m going to check out Eila now because of you!! I’d also suggest Cascadia, great, fun, and accessible.

[@Ezeekat]

Yay! I hope you love it!

[@jenwashi921]

Wonderful boardgames to play solo👍 But, and here I strongly disagree, Spirit Island is an expert game and not really beginners friendly. I love Spirit Island and would teach it to anyone interested. Still, the complexity of it is not for most beginners. Even the slightly lighter Horizons of Spirit Island has the same rules; only the Spirits are very easy to understand. 🤗 Otherwise, like I said: great boardgames 😊

[@Ezeekat]

I agree and disagree a little lol. I think, for me, what made Spirit Island complex was the rulebook. It's just not a great rulebook. But I think after watching a how to play it feels very intuitive. That being said it is definitely a bit more on the abstract side conceptually. I don't know haha. Hopefully the right person sees this and picks it up hahaha!

[@jenwashi921]

@@Ezeekat 🤔 interesting and true the rulebook of Spirit Island is not user-friendly. It improves with Horizons of Spirit Island. 🎉 Great that this game works for you and makes you happy 🎉

[@guillermoyaroslavlverduzco1551]

Spirit Island for beginners? You've got to be freaking kidding me. Edit: Dude... I bet you don't introduce new people to the hobby so often. Legends of Andor, Roll Player, Under Falling Skies, Coffee Roaster, Marvel United, Warp´s Edge, etc. Those are games for newbies. And then you talk about Descent. Damn, bro...

[@Ezeekat]

I introduce people to the hobby on a weekly basis and these all do great on the table 🤷🏻

[@guillermoyaroslavlverduzco1551]

@@Ezeekat IDk how people without gamers to know how to play could get in the hobby with Spirit Island for example. That one is more on the heavy side.

[@watsup422615]

Ooh the spirit game sounds fun! My dad has a national park game that has a solo mode, and I keep meaning to try it! Maybe this is my sign lol

[@Ezeekat]

If it’s the one I’m thinking of then it’s good and cozy! Definitely try it!